Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward officially took over the guidance of the department Wednesday, when Mayor James McDonald named him chief. Ward’s plans for the department continue prioritizing community relationships and training for successful police work, both areas he has considered key throughout his career.
Ward stated he is “humbled and honored to accept the position of Chief of Police for the City of Bradford Police Department.” He noted he has always worked to build community relations and has enjoyed being a member of the community as a police officer.
Ward lives in Bradford with his wife, Rebecca, and their three sons, Ryan, Adam and Sean. He noted he wanted to express his gratitude to them for their support and also extend gratitude to his parents, as his family has supported him while he pursued his law enforcement career.
“I take all of the duties I’m given seriously, but I certainly took victim crimes more seriously. As I live and raise my family here in this community, I do care very much about the persons in this community, which I live with.”
One aspect of community focus is creating a positive impression of police officers for the area’s youth. This is an area Bradford City Police recognize.
“Now that school is in session, we have two resource officers in Bradford Area School District. Those officers are able to interact with students,” Ward stated during an interview Friday. “We plan to continue with those interactions, and take every opportunity to participate in school-related functions, based on COVID restrictions, of course. We hope to work with the youth as much as possible.”
Ward said future plans, once the restrictions related to coronavirus have subsided, include engaging in community functions and allowing the community to get to know officers in the department.
Ward noted that when the department is rooted in the community and officers are known to more community members, it will make the public more at ease and make it easier for people to come to the police when in need or if they have information to share.
This year has been one high in tension for many reasons, including community-police interaction. This is true at both the national level and locally. Recognizing the current atmosphere, Ward noted that he would like the department to engage the public on a more personal level.
“It is my full intention to continue building positive relations between the public and the police department, especially in these times of unrest across our country,” Ward said. “I look at the chief’s position as being one that has the ability to build bridges and strive to have the police department interact with the community as one team together, not divided. Together, I know we can make our community safer and stronger in every aspect.”
While evaluating the department’s strengths, Ward referred to the areas of training and equipment. He explained many officers with the department have specialized training in evidence collection and interviewing tactics, among other areas. While there is always a need to evaluate equipment and update outdated or well-used items, Ward feels the department is at the forefront in regard to technology and gear.
There is always room for improvement, the chief said. His future plans for the department also include a focus on training, as time and finances permit. Training can be necessary due to changing laws or police tactics. Future training will include a particular emphasis on de-escalation, and Ward will encourage the department to prioritize de-escalation tactics over all others whenever possible.
“I also will continuously strive to keep our officers up to date and trained with the newest and most effective tactics for successful policing. We will keep a special focus on the more serious crimes and diligently work to solve those cases, ultimately resulting in successful arrests and prosecutions,” Ward said. “It is my goal to keep us focused on the mission of providing a safer community and continue to make our community known in a positive light.”
A Bradford native and a 1997 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School, Ward attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice in 2001 and received his ACT 120 Police Academy Training and Certification through Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has been employed with several local police departments, including Foster Township, Smethport, Eldred Borough and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He still holds a badge with the Pitt-Bradford Police. Ward has also been active with the McKean County Drug Task Force since 2000.
“As a young officer, I was fortunate to have mentors that offered me guidance and taught me the skills related to being a successful and productive officer,” Ward said.
He became a full-time officer with the Bradford City Police in 2002 and was named assistant chief in 2010.
“With 10 years of management experience here at the city, I feel I have been able to work with all my colleagues in a professional manner,” he stated. “Working well with others is something I take pride in and it is a virtue that has helped me throughout my career.”
The Bradford City Police have had to put in extra effort over recent months, as officers were faced with policing the community at a reduced capacity. Despite the struggle, the department pulled together to overcome.
“I am proud of these officers. Since May we have been operating short-handed, and they have handled nearly double the amount of calls due to the lack of officers,” Ward said. “Their stress levels have been higher and their duties increased dramatically, but everyone stepped up and handled it accordingly, without hesitation.”
